Page 92 of Burning Skies
“Hmm?” Sleepy, I wrap my arms around him.
“That was so fucking good. I lo—” He pauses. “I love mornings with you.”
My heart hammers in my chest. Was he going to tell me he loves me? A deep sense of satisfaction washes over me. I’m becoming more and more convinced that Beau and I were meant to be. “I lovemornings with youtoo.” Closing my eyes, I soak up his body heat until he pats my butt.
“Work, remember?” He walks me to the bathroom and cranks the hot water. “Take a quick shower, and I’ll make your breakfast to go. Coffee and toast okay? I might have some bacon.”
Smiling, I nod. “Thank you.”
Ten minutes later, I’m tugging on my shoes and running through his house. He hands me a mug of steaming coffee and a toasted bacon and egg sandwich. “Have a good day, baby.”
I lean up to kiss him. “You too, handsome.”
I get to school with three minutes to spare. As I race to the office, I can’t tame the grin on my face. Beau Walker likes me. He might even love me. The thought gives me the courage I need to talk to my father.
Because last night, Cash texted to tell me Dad was home from his trip.
Today is the day. I can do this.
But as the morning drags into the afternoon, the nerves start to get to me. Finally, the last bell rings, and I’m out the door.
When I get to my parents’ house, I’m so anxious, my hands tremble. I sit in the driveway and text Beau.
Me: I’m going to talk to my dad about Baylee’s wedding. He’s back from his trip. Wish me luck.
Beau: Good luck. I’m here if you need me.
Gathering my waning courage, I trek into the house. Most of the lights are out for some reason, which is strange. “Hello?” I call out. At first, I think maybe I missed my dad again. I hear something in the kitchen and head there, doing a double-take when I see my mother.
She’s sitting at the kitchen counter, staring into her coffee mug. Dark circles rim her eyes, and her hair is in a tight bun at the nape of her neck, which she only does when it needs to be washed. But more concerning is the fact that she’s wearing sweats. “Hey, Mom. Are you okay?” I hug her, and she nods slowly.
“It’s been a long few weeks.”
“What’s going on? You know you can call me if you need anything while Dad’s out of town, right?”
Her eyes well with tears. “Thank you, Honey.”
“Mom, talk to me.” I sit on the stool next to her.
She takes a shuddering breath. “Did your father ask you to come over today?”
“No. I need to discuss something with him, so I thought I’d swing by.”
She resumes staring into her coffee cup.
“Seriously, what’s going on? You’re freaking me out. Do you have some terrible disease? If so, tell me now before I assume the worst.”
Her hand trembles as she grips the mug. “I think I’m going to leave your father.”
My eyes widen. Did I hear that right? “What? Why? What’s going on?”
“I’m tired of coming in last in this marriage. After the ranch. After work. After that other woman.”
My stomach drops. “I thought that was in the past. Is there someone new?”
“Same woman. Same bullshit.”
I don’t remember the last time I heard my mother curse. “The one… the one he got pregnant?”
